Odds of Getting In
Pharma sales have a reputation of being recession-proof: People always have ailments of one kind or another, and they keep on using drugs to chase away said ailments. Demand seems to be one step ahead of supply.
The competition is fierce, and many an aspiring pharma rep has taken more than a year to get the foot in the door. But odds favor aspirants who have a college degree, sales experience, and a couple of internships with pharmaceutical companies.
You might have a couple of years selling clothes or used cars or bicycles (high-end, mind you), but for the non-collegiate crowd, the odds aren't so good. Not having that college degree tends to be a deal-breaker. Sure, we all know geniuses who never went to college or have a couple of college units under their belts. But like the Tin Man in Wizard of Oz, he may not have a brain, but he does have that degree. And so should you.